Final answer:
The statement is false because not all iso and neo alkyl groups are primary; they can also be secondary or tertiary depending on the structure. Isopropyl is an example of a secondary alkyl group, and other iso and neo groups may vary in their classification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'All n, iso, and neo alkyl groups are primary (1 degree) except isopropyl which is secondary (2 degree)' is false. While it is generally true that n-alkyl groups are primary alkyl groups because they are attached through a primary carbon to a parent chain or a functional group, there are exceptions in the case of iso and neo alkyl groups.
For example, the isopropyl group is indeed a secondary alkyl group (s-alkyl) because it is attached through a secondary carbon. However, the term 'iso' can refer to other types of alkyl groups besides isopropyl, such as isobutyl, which is also a secondary alkyl group. Likewise, 'neo' refers to alkyl groups which can be secondary or tertiary depending on the structure, such as neopentyl which is primary but neo-decyl which would be tertiary.
Classification of Alkyl Groups
An alkyl group connected through:
- a primary carbon to a parent chain or a functional group is a primary alkyl group (p-alkyl).
- a secondary carbon is a secondary alkyl group (s-alkyl).
- a tertiary carbon is a tertiary alkyl group (t-alkyl).
Thus, not all iso and neo designated alkyl groups are primary, and they can be secondary or tertiary depending on the specific structure of the alkyl group.